Meet our people

Since Jonathan completed several summer placements within Balfour Beatty Rail, he hasn’t looked back. After Graduating in 2010 Jonathan joined our Technical Graduate Scheme and has worked on some of the UK’s major rail projects, developing his rail engineering expertise with the aim of becoming a Chartered Civil Engineer.

Tell us a bit about your role, the project you are supporting and the type of work you undertake on a daily basis.

I am working on a London Bridge station remodelling project as part of the Thameslink upgrade programme. Balfour Beatty is one of the partners on the project, and we are responsible for all the track works associated with the remodelling.

As a Project Engineer I am involved in the planning, engineering construction and close-out of track installations, as well as having an input into the design process. No day is the same! On one day I could be reviewing design drawings, calculating material quantities for train plans while developing a programme of works. On another I might be meeting with plant suppliers to discuss possible strategies for undertaking future work.

What attracted you to Balfour Beatty?

I had seen the Balfour Beatty branding on a number of large engineering projects and fancied having a go at supporting some of the works. The company also offered to sponsor me via a scholarship scheme while I was at university, and to provide me with placement work within the rail sector which is where I initially wanted to work. Graduating into the company was a natural progression.

What development opportunities have you been given while in your role?

I have been given some fantastic opportunities with some high profile projects. The best for me so far was leading the planning for a 12-day blockade of part of the Central Line on London Underground at Hainault. I learnt a lot from the planning and delivery of those works, which involved a number of disciplines and was logistically very complicated! It was a great opportunity to gain exposure to the Balfour Beatty and London Underground management teams.

Of course the graduate development programme and the assistance I have received in working towards their professional engineering qualifications have been great. Both have helped me develop my knowledge and skill sets, and prepare for my future career.

How has Balfour Beatty played a role in your long term career goals?

The Group provided support and work placements during my time at university, helping me to attain my degree, which was an important first step. My long term career goals are to be a professionally qualified engineer with a large base of multidisciplinary experience in the rail engineering sector and the company is supporting me through the process to become a chartered civil engineer.

What has been your highlight so far at Balfour Beatty?

There have been many highlights, but I still remember taking a moment at the end of a busy shift on site and watching in awe as a complex point-work renewal on the London Underground network at White City started coming together. There were excavators and dozers working away laying ballast as behind a 500 tonne capacity road crane started lifting in the complex puzzle of track panels. It was a great to see what I had been planning come to life – it was certainly a baptism of fire as the first renewal that I had planned as a graduate.

What one thing has surprised you most about working for Balfour Beatty?

Just how quick the working day goes by!

What are the top three tips/advice that you give to anyone thinking of applying to Balfour Beatty?

Research the company and the project you are applying for

Be prepared for the interview, have some examples to talk through to demonstrate your competence.

Be open and flexible – there is a lot of work across the UK and internationally.

Jo joined Balfour Beatty Investments after completing a MEng Civil Engineering and Architecture. Since joining the Graduate Business Scheme, Jo has become an active member of the Infrastructure Investments Transactions team.

Tell us a little about your role, the project you are supporting and the type of work you undertake on a daily basis

I am part way through the Graduate Business Scheme within Balfour Beatty Investments which involves three four-month placements in your first year. I spent my first placement in Operations, working with the Connect Roads team based at the M1-A1 in York. I then spent four months working in Australia before moving to our Manchester office working within the Social Infrastructure team on the Aberystwyth student accommodation bid.

What attracted you to Balfour Beatty?

I decided to apply for the Graduate Business Scheme because I wanted to use the knowledge learnt during my studies in a more practical way and on real life projects. I also felt that, Balfour Beatty being one of the largest infrastructure companies in the country, the opportunities at this company would be greater and more varied, both geographically and within the infrastructure industry.

After university, I was keen to start my career in the financial / legal sectors, and the Balfour Beatty Business Graduate Scheme offered the opportunity to use my infrastructure background whilst gaining new skills in the investment sector.

What development opportunities has your role provided?

I have gained a well-rounded overview of the company, plus my placement rotations allowed me to develop skills in different areas. Everyone within the company has been more than willing to help and offer advice. The highlight has certainly been spending four months in Australia. With only three Balfour Beatty Investment employees in Australia, I was exposed to various development opportunities including the front end of project development, the financial and commercial aspects of projects and the practicalities of expanding a business in a foreign country.

How has Balfour Beatty played a role in your long term career goals?

My degree was MEng Civil Engineering and Architecture, and I was lucky to have gained experience throughout university on 10 week summer placements, working in project management on the Cutty Sark renovation and University of Reading redevelopment. The graduate placements provided me with a chance to experience different functions and allow me to make an informed decision on which department I would like to work in in the future. The scheme has allowed me to remain in the infrastructure sector as well as gain additional skills in asset management and finance.

What has been your highlight so far at Balfour Beatty?

I love working for Balfour Beatty as I feel the teams really care about my career. So far, each placement has been very different – I love the variety and challenges that the scheme has given me. I get to travel around the UK and every week is different. Plus the chance to spend time working abroad has certainly been a highlight of the graduate scheme so far.

What one thing that surprised you most about working for Balfour Beatty?

There is so much variety within the industry that you’re never doing the same thing. I love that I have had the opportunity to be involved in the financial side of the business, whilst also using my civil engineering degree to understand the bigger picture. There’s opportunity to use different skills – practical, logical, commercial, communication, management and analytical - with a very real ability to make a difference to the communities you work within, through new schools or hospitals for example.

What top three tips would you give to anyone thinking of applying to Balfour Beatty?

Be prepared – the selection process tests your ability as well as your match with the business. Make sure you prepare good examples to demonstrate your knowledge of the business and how you would become a valued member of the team.

Test the company – take time throughout the application process to make sure it’s the right company for you too!

Step outside your comfort zone – just because you studied a subject a university doesn’t mean that you can’t change direction. Take time to decide where you want to begin your career and go for it!

Nicola undertook several summer placements with Balfour Beatty to support her university studies. Once she graduated with a MEng Civil Engineering she joined our Technical Graduate Programme. Since then, she has become a Chartered Civil Engineer and specialised in design.

Provide a brief summary of your role, the project you are supporting and the type of work you undertake on a daily basis

As a Design Manager I am responsible for managing the design team on a Grade II listed building refurbishment. Liaising with external parties (including English Heritage, Building Control, Planning), client team and subcontractors, to ensure the work is carried out to plan.

What attracted you to Balfour Beatty?

During a “University Experience Week” at Cardiff University, I visited the Cardiff Bay barrage which was being constructed by Balfour Beatty. This was the project that firmed up my choice of studying Civil Engineering at university. During university I was then fortunate enough to undertake two summer placements at Balfour Beatty, firstly on a building project and secondly on a highways scheme, gaining valuable experiences and insight into complex engineering and building projects which has been a strong platform for my future development.

What development opportunities have you been given while in your role?

Alongside the on-project learning, I completed both the Graduate and Management Development programmes. These provided more overarching understanding, learning and practical challenges that I could then utilise to improve my everyday work. In parallel with these, Balfour Beatty courses have complemented my project works with a high level of health and safety training.

In progressing to become a Chartered Engineer I spent a nine-month secondment with Buro Happold as a structural engineer. This provided me with further opportunities, not only to work a consultant but also to provide a greater understanding of client /contractor/ consultant relationships.

What has been your highlight so far at Balfour Beatty?

Seeing and hearing of the positive impact that any of my projects have had on those working, living, learning, using the facilities that I have helped build.

What has surprised you most about working for Balfour Beatty?

The people. People are the cornerstone of our business and without all the various characters we would not be as successful as we are. Everyone has provided me with great support and help me develop on a daily basis.

What are the top three tips/advice you would give to anyone thinking of applying to Balfour Beatty?

Take every opportunity you are given to develop

Balance work and outside work life

The world’s infrastructure has to develop to provide a sustainable solutions for now and the future, grasp your opportunity to be part of this.

Danny joined Balfour Beatty in 2009 after completing his BSc in Civil Engineering & Business. Since then, he has completed the Technical Graduate Scheme and has continued his academic studies as he is being sponsored to complete his MSc in Project Management. Danny enjoys working for a global infrastructure business and can see several development options to support his long term career aspirations.

Tell us about your role, the project you are supporting and the type of work you undertake on a daily basis

My role is varied, but in general terms it involves business improvement, project management, change management, and process improvement. Ultimately, it ensures the business maximises efficiency, minimises waste and strives to redefine best practice within the industry.

What attracted you to Balfour Beatty?

Primarily, the robust leadership development programme offered a rotational structure to maximise business exposure and was the biggest pull. Balfour Beatty's strong reputable brand, international coverage and diverse work portfolio were extra toppings on the cake.

What development opportunities has your role provided?

The five diverse rotational placements increased in levels of responsibility involved and included: risk management, health & safety projects, assurance, plant & logistics, and site projects. Since then, I have been offered to pursue further studies with an MSc in Project Management, which I will complete in December 2013 (three years on from when the scheme started).

How has Balfour Beatty played a role in your long term career goals?

The graduate scheme is an excellent way to transition from university to professional life. It has provided me with the leadership and management qualities required to be confident to progress further in Balfour Beatty and any other services industry.

What has been your highlight so far at Balfour Beatty?

I believe connecting to the people who deliver our projects has been the most fulfilling aspect. Working on site was a great laugh, but, more importantly, I gained first-hand experience of the ‘bread and butter’ of the business.

What has surprised you most about working for Balfour Beatty?

Making a lot of cups of tea, but this was part of the team bonding. On a serious note, the breadth and depth of Balfour Beatty’s capabilities operating in over 80 countries was surprising.

What are the top three tips/advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying to Balfour Beatty?

Demonstrate your potential value with non-curricula activities which shows you have applied competence and ability; academic results only scratch the surface.

Be prepared to take risks to ensure you stand out during the selection process, because you only have one chance to shine.

Research the company, research the role, research yourself, and don’t forget to research a bit more!